Ryan Blaney’s electrifying victory at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway not only pushed Team Penske to the forefront of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs but also cast a glaring spotlight on Joe Gibbs Racing struggles, as the powerhouse team faltered dramatically on a track they usually dominate. The result left fans, analysts, and other competitors questioning how a favored team like Joe Gibbs Racing could suffer such a setback at this crucial stage.
Blaney Seizes the Spotlight as JGR Falters in New Hampshire
The NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs saw a major shake-up when Ryan Blaney, racing for Team Penske, seized victory in the opening race of the round of 12 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Blaney powered past Josh Berry to secure the win, while teammate Joey Logano grabbed fourth place. However, the day was far from triumphant for Joe Gibbs Racing. Known for their historic strength at Loudon, JGR’s drivers Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, and Ty Gibbs failed to reach expectations, leaving their fans stunned.
During a discussion on the Dale Jr Download podcast, Blaney analyzed the unexpected outcome, particularly focusing on JGR’s lackluster pace.
“The Gibbs guys weren’t as good as I thought they were gonna be. Whether it was new tires or what, they seemed to struggle a little bit more than they normally do at that place.”
— Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
This assessment captured the reality of the weekend: a rare moment when JGR’s lineup could not deliver at a venue synonymous with their previous success.
Breakdown of Joe Gibbs Racing’s Unexpected Performance
Joe Gibbs Racing drivers faced a series of challenges throughout the race. Denny Hamlin, after lining up ninth, managed only 12th at the checkered flag. Christopher Bell, despite starting from 19th, secured sixth place through steady progress, while Chase Briscoe turned his 18th starting position into a 10th-place finish. The toughest blow came for Ty Gibbs, who had to retire in 35th after an incident involving his teammate, Hamlin, derailed his race entirely.
None of JGR’s competitors managed to reach the top five, in stark contrast to Blaney and Logano’s strong showings for Team Penske. The team’s struggles sparked concern among fans and experts, as their underperformance marked a significant departure from their established reputation at Loudon’s challenging circuit.
Blaney’s Determination on Full Display
Blaney’s New Hampshire win was not easily won. Reflecting on the climactic final laps, he described the intensity of holding off his rivals for the victory:
“Yeah, that was probably the hardest 20 laps that I drove. I was trying to kind of bide my stuff and kind of pull Josh a little bit. Then he really started coming, and I started to get super free. It was all I could do to hold him off, trying new lanes. That was good racing and clean racing. I appreciate Josh for not throwing me the bumper when he could have.”
— Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
Expressing gratitude for his team’s efforts and championship focus, Blaney stated:
“What a cool day. What a cool weekend. Super-fast car all weekend. Can’t believe the 12 boys, they’re unbelievable. Really have been strong through the playoffs. It’s great to get a win, first race of this round.”
— Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
Implications for the Playoffs and the Road Ahead
Blaney’s victory delivers a crucial playoff lifeline, guaranteeing his advancement to the next stage while ratcheting up pressure on teams and drivers whose futures hang in the balance. The struggles of Joe Gibbs Racing—especially in a context where Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, Ty Gibbs, and Chase Briscoe had been expected to contend—have thrown the competition wide open as the NASCAR Playoffs intensify.
Meanwhile, names like Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, Tyler Reddick, and Bubba Wallace linger near the cut line, with every finish growing more critical. The next battleground, the Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN Bet at Kansas Speedway on September 28, is set to be another turning point where the outcome remains uncertain.
The result at New Hampshire Motor Speedway forces Joe Gibbs Racing and their drivers to regroup rapidly if they hope to stay in championship contention. As the playoffs progress, the spotlight will remain firmly on JGR’s response to their recent setbacks and whether they can reclaim their usual form before elimination looms.
